Wednesday, October 31, 2012
You need not wait for change at the oft-glacial pace of institutions. You can make a difference tomorrow.
This weekend, I took a risk — I braved the suburban wilds of Fairfax to attend the Fairfax Bike Summit. All kidding aside, it was encouraging to see so many efforts — from the institutional to the individual — being made to improve cycling in Fairfax. Fairfax County staff talked about the new bike plan, which sets goals for the next decade. A major Tysons developer presented its plans for remaking Tysons in a pedestrian- and bike-friendly area. Heady stuff, to be sure. But the most inspiring? Came near the end, when one of the presenters — Fionnuala Quinn of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling — talked about how to bring more individuals into cycling. I’ve long thought that the most important benefits for cycling come through cultural …
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Arlington Fun Ride is back this year, now with more for families and children.
Arlington's old tradition of a slow-speed and chill "community ride" was revived in the form of the Arlington Fun Ride last year. More than 100 people participated, and the organizers of this community-led ride decided to do it again this year on Saturday, Oct. 6. (Disclosure: I'm somewhat involved in organizing it.) The organizers hope to use the ride to encourage Arlington's youth, adults and families to see the county's trail system as a safe means of transportation and recreation. The fun starts at 8 a.m. at Phoenix Bikes in Barcroft Park, when the main ride gets ready to go. Marshals will help guide riders on a 17-mile route along the Arlington Loop, which allows a cirumnavigtion of the county almost entirely on trails, with just a …
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Arlington’s trail system is a recreational haven. But even havens require some care.
Arlington’s trails are a welcome respite from the noise and traffic of the street. They draw thousands of daily users from the whole of Arlington’s citizenry. Unfortunately that includes some of its lesser element, who take advantage of Arlington’s open and engaging nature. While violent and serious crimes are incredibly rare on Arlington’s trails, this week brought us an awful reminder that it is possible. While this shouldn’t turn us away from our welcoming approach to our neighbors, we do need to stay alert. So in the spirit of expecting the best while preparing for the worst, trail users – especially those who feel vulnerable – should take affirmative steps to stay safe. Among the most effective steps when using the trails alone is …
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The northern and southern reaches into Arlington are well-connected to the Mount Vernon Trail, but that isn’t enough.
One of the most popular multi-use trails in the Washington area is in Arlington’s front yard – the Mount Vernon Trail. Popular with tourists and locals, it’s a haven for runners, cyclists and those out for a simple stroll. Unfortunately, getting to the Mount Vernon Trail from Arlington can be a rather dangerous affair. To get to the trail’s northern terminus without driving, you must navigate the problematic Lynn Street-Lee Highway-Custis Trail intersection. Unfortunately, this is the only connection from northern Arlington. The next connection to the trail occurs near Memorial Bridge. Because Fort Myer and Arlington National Cemetery sit between this connection and the rest of the county, it’s not a very practical connection for most …
Geof Gee
10:02 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
This is sad news. In short, I concur that trusting your instincts is probably the right move Mark. I hope that the perpetrator is soon brought to justice and that the woman heals from her ordeal. more ›